No, Black Women Don’t Want To Be Fat

A Black Girl's Guide To Weight Loss' Erika Kendall weighs in on the controversy

The war on black women in the media seems to be never ending and the newest topic to go viral is that  “black women are fat because they want to be.” This according to writer Alice Randall whose, controversial New York Times article has caused quite a stir among African American women on the accusation that their health and being fit is not a priority to them. However, not everyone feels that way. Erika Kendall, the creator of the blog A Black Girl's Guide To Weight Loss  spoke exclusively with Loop 21, about why Randall’s comments are harmful to black women, the importance of healthy eating and why never giving up on your weight loss goals will save your life.

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Loop 21: Your site A Black Girl's Guide To Weight Loss is a favorite among many African-American women. Why did you create it?

Kendall: I created Black Girls Guide To Weight Loss basically as a guide to keep track of the things I was learning during my own desire to lose weight. When I first started the blog I had lost about 90 pounds. I needed a source of accountability for myself and I figured if I write it down than I can’t say I didn’t know. Before I knew it, it had picked up enough steam and a great following along the way. 

Loop 21: You started the site in 2009, how has it changed your life?

Kendall: It has made me a very compassionate person. When people talk about obesity they always say eat less and lose more. However, I’ve learned that it’s so much more than that. It has helped to address some of the issues from my own past and also I’ve learned that everyone is very emotionally attached to their bodies in the state that they’re in. It takes a lot of looking inward. It’s given me a greater understanding of weight issues in society.

Loop 21: Recently author Alice Randall wrote an article for the New York Times where she stated that black women want to be fat. What are your thoughts on her statement?